Daily Devotional for Tuesday January 18, 2000

Helping The Poor

(Psalms 41:1)

Helping the poor. I want to encourage you someday to take about an hour, sit down with your Bible, and look at all the scriptures concerning care for the poor and needy. One thing I have learned, to understand about God and the way He has divinely given us His word. When you see the same issue talked about over and over, especially throughout the Bible from the Old to New Testament, God is trying to emphasize a point. He could not be clearer as to our responsibility to help the poor. Now, of course, this immediately brings to mind mental images of the homeless, those begging on corners for food, the ones who occupy the shelters at night. But I want you to focus today, not on those who are financially poor, but those who are spiritually poor.

Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, He reached out to all segments of society. He tried to focus those who had wealth and resources on their bankrupt spiritual life. Jesus said, "What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his soul?" Today, I want you to be aware of the "poor" people you may come in contact with everyday. Not financially poor, but spiritually poor. We have a responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, the hope and love of Christ with these people just as we would share a meal with someone who was hungry. It is not an option, but an obligation we have as followers of Christ to reach out to those who are hurting and need to know there are answers beyond the things of this world.

I am going to pray today that you take this challenge to heart and really focus, not just on the visibly poor you may see each day, but also those who may have a lot of worldly riches, but be broke spiritually. You see, in those difficult times we all face in life, losing a loved one, moving, changing jobs, troubles at home, whatever the issue may be, money can rarely help. Only the strength, wisdom, and love of Christ can get us through those most difficult times in our life. Open your eyes today and look at those around you to see who may need a spiritual handout today to make it.